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Villa beaten at Groningen

Aston Villa slumped to a 4-1 defeat away to Dutch side Groningen after conceding two goals in the opening eight minutes.

Both of those were scored past Shay Given by attacking midfielder Tjaronn Chery, and Jarchinio Antonia then made it 3-0 to the Eredivisie hosts on the half-hour in Saturday's pre-season friendly at the Euroborg stadium.

Charles N'Zogbia responded with a free-kick for Villa with around 15 minutes to go, but Groningen were not done and Swedish striker Dino Islamovic added their fourth goal in the last few seconds.

Paul Lambert, who saw his side lose their previous friendly 3-1 at Chesterfield in midweek, gave starts to summer signings Philippe Senderos and Kieran Richardson in Holland.

Villa return home for a friendly at Walsall on Tuesday night, before Parma visit Villa Park next Saturday.